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Vacations should be relaxing and something you look forward to. However, the trip to get there can be stressful. From booking the trip to packing and getting on that plane or train, there's always something that can go wrong. These tips will help make your vacation less stressful.

Don't use the public computers in your hotel or anywhere else they offer free internet while you are on vacation. There is something called a keylogger that scam artists will use to gain access to your banking information as you type the keys on the computer.

When you check into a hotel, see if the alarm is set. It is not surprising to have an alarm clock go off in the dead of the night, sometimes set by a previous traveler or even set as a prank. Turn off the alarm or set it to the time you want it on.

Research before booking anything. Hunt down websites that feature user reviews of anything you might be personally interested in. Chat with those who have previously visited the destination. You can be better prepared by doing your homework. Plus, you can plan out the activities of the trip.

For added security when you are going to stay in a hotel, make sure you bring along a door stopper. You may need extra security at night at your hotel, especially when traveling to less developed countries. If the hotel room door does not have a chain or deadbolt, use the doorstop by wedging it under the door and leaving it there while you sleep.

Always bring along some kind of doorstop when you travel. This will increase your security while you sleep in an unknown hotel in a strange country. Most people use doorstops to prop their doors open, but you can also use them to hold a door shut.

Join travel-centric social websites and forums. A great way to get ready for a trip is to talk to others who enjoy traveling. You can learn what NOT to do on your travels, and you may even pick up a new friend in the process!

If you are taking a long trip and you're packing light, pack a rain coat that has a soft lining. You never can predict what the weather will do. In addition, your raincoat can serve for a windbreaker in the cold. You can even use it as a bathrobe for your hotel stay.

If you're traveling on the road with children, bring a cookie sheet or two. These sheets make a great flat surface for kids to color on or play cards. For young kids, magnetic numbers and letters can be fun and educational to bring with.

Plan road trips so that you do not get stuck in rush hour traffic. If you must travel during rush hour, plan for delays. It can be a good time to get something to eat or to just let the kids get out and run around for a bit.

Stay awake until 8 PM in the time zone you are in if you want to adjust to the time zone you are in. Try to stay awake until the right time, even if you feel tired from jet lag. If you sleep too early, you may end up feeling jet lagged for longer. Jet lag will go away as soon as you're on the local schedule, so get your body adjusted as quickly as possible.

Traveling will be a wonderful experience for you and your loved ones. You might already have travel plans in place, but there is always room for improvement. Despite the reasons, the tips above should've given you an idea of how to enjoy the trip more. more